West

Washington

Washington has been a leader in climate and environmental justice policy, especially with the passage of the ambitious Climate Commitment Act and the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act in 2021. The state’s emissions decreased by 10% from 1990-2022, compared to their target of 45% below 1990 levels by 2030. Almost three quarters of in-state electricity is generated by renewables, and the state is the top hydroelectric power producer, providing over one-fourth of the country’s hydroelectric power.

GHG Reduction Targets

All targets relative to 1990 levels

2030

45%

2040

70%

2050

95%

2050

Net-zero economy

Governor

Bob Ferguson (Democrat)

House Party

Democratic Majority

Senate Party

Democratic Majority

Legislative session

1/13/25 - 4/27/25

US Climate Alliance Status

Member

Key Offices & Links

42

Policies Enacted or In Progress

across 7 policy areas

See all

25

Policy Opportunities

across 6 policy areas

See all

West

11 states

This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.

Compare with other states

Progress by Policy Area

Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.

Glossary of Terms

The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.

Status	Policy	Policy Area	Policy Category	Year Enacted
Enacted	Healthy Soils Financial Incentives Empty column The Sustainable Farms and Fields Grant Program and the Washington Soil Health Initiative provide financial assistance and free services to help implement climate-smart practices and projects that increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Priority projects include those that enhance soil carbon; integrate native vegetation into agricultural lands; reduce carbon, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions; support efficiency and reduced fuel use; and support pollinator habitats. Establishing Policies SB 5947 (2020) SB 6306 (2020) SB 5391 (2025) Sustainable Farms & Fields Grant Program	Natural and Working Lands	Agriculture	2025
Enacted	Healthy Soils Technical Assistance Programs Empty column The Sustainable Farms and Fields Grant Program provides technical assistance and free services to help implement climate-smart practices and projects that increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Priority projects include those that enhance soil carbon; integrate native vegetation into agricultural lands; reduce carbon, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions; support efficiency and reduced fuel use; and support pollinator habitats. The Washington Soil Health Initiative provides technical assistance, policy support, research, outreach, and education to promote healthy soils practices. Establishing Policies SB 5947 (2020) SB 6306 (2020) Sustainable Farms & Fields Grant Program Washington Soil Health Initiative (2020)	Natural and Working Lands	Agriculture	2020

Washington

Key Offices & Links

42

25

West

Progress by Policy Area

Climate Governance and Equity

Cross-Sector

Electricity

Buildings and Efficiency

Transportation

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management

Natural and Working Lands

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Washington

Climate Policies in Washington